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Engelmann Farm
Shiloh, IL | 143 Acres
Type: Public Park and Historic Site
Owned by: St. Clair County
Our role: Given the importance and historic significance of the Shiloh area, HeartLands Conservancy acquired the historic farm property in 2007 to prevent it from being developed. This enabled St. Clair County, who now owns the property, to have enough time to obtain grant funding to purchase the property from us over a number of years.
Location & Directions
Located south of Shiloh Station Road between IL-158/Air Mobility Drive and Lebanon Ave in Shiloh
Trails & Facilities
The park features a 1.25-mile looped walking trail, two open-air picnic pavilions, and benches along the trail.
The site also includes two homesteads circa 1860 and 1900 and a private historic cemetery, which are not officially part of the park. The cemetery and early homestead were dedicated historical sites by the St. Clair Historical Society.
There are no restrooms available here.
Wildlife & Habitat
Engelmann Farm Park was once an active farm established by German immigrants, the Engelmann Family.
Habitat here consists of mature upland forest and grassy areas. Plants of interest include oak, persimmon, and ginkgo trees. Depending on the season, you may be able to see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, a variety of songbirds, raccoons, and toads.
Regulations
The park is open sunrise to sunset 7 days a week, unless posted otherwise. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Since the park is owned and operated by St. Clair County, please contact their parks department with any questions or concerns regarding the park at (618) 825-2203 or learn more on the website.
Metro East Park & Recreation District
Overview
Engelmann Farm Park
Engelmann Farm is a St. Clair County Park and former 1833 homestead of Friedrich Engelmann, who represented the first great surge of German migration to Illinois. The park preserves the historic farm landscape, 80 acres of woods, historic sites, and beautiful views of the Shiloh Valley. Beyond the historic nature of the park, the habitat is home to a wide variety of wildlife—from songbirds to deer and the shy fox.
Red foxes have declined in rural areas over the past few decades due to more intensive farming practices and growing coyote populations. In recent years they have adapted to living alongside humans in communities where they are safer from coyotes. Protected woods like at Englemann Farm Park are helping them better adapt and reduce susceptibility to diseases.
By conserving this rich landscape, we’re not only protecting habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can connect with the heritage of St. Clair County as well as the wildlife it sustains.
If you would like to find out more about how to create a new public conservation area and conserve wildlife habitat, feel free to call Anna McAtee at (618) 566-4451 ex 23 or email her at an*********@*******************cy.org.
You may find information on our Land Conservation page and Ways to Give page helpful, too.